Casper College students win big in skilled trades and leadership competition

Casper College SkillsUSA competitors and faculty gather at the National Leadership and Skills Conference in Atlanta, Georgia, in June 2026. Pictured from left are Howard McNiven, Kimberly Bjornstad, instructor Paul Brutsman, Fionna Kerkes, and Katelyn Moeller. (Casper College photo)

Casper College students Fionna Kerkes, Kimberly Bjornstad, and Katelyn Moeller won big in the skilled trades and leadership competitions at the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference in Atlanta, Georgia, in June.

Fine arts major Fionna Kerkes won the gold medal in pin design. Kerkes’ design of an antelope, an animal closely associated with Wyoming, was stunning, but according to Paul Brutsman, it was Kerkes’ presentation that “… took her over the top. The thought, skill, and dedication that went into the design are what made it stand out.”

Casper College fine arts student Fionna Kerkes smiles next to her gold-medal-winning pin design display featuring a Wyoming antelope at the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference in Atlanta, Georgia, in June 2026. (Casper College photo)

Casper College fine arts major Fionna Kerkes displays her national gold medal won in pin design at the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference in Atlanta, Georgia, June 2026. (Casper College photo)

Kerkes became interested in SkillsUSA after attending SkillsUSA Club meetings at Casper College with her sister, Hanna, who placed at last year’s nationals in technical drafting. “SkillsUSA is open to all students across our entire campus, regardless of their program of study,” said Brutsman, engineering technology and design instructor. According to Brutsman, Kerkes realized that any student in any field can join SkillsUSA to compete, learn, and showcase their unique talents and abilities. Kerkes qualified for nationals by winning a gold medal in pin design at the state competition in April.

Natrona County High School and BOCES student Jerred Moore placed fifth in electrical construction wiring. “Jerred honed his skills in the college’s electrical apprenticeship classes offered at Pathways Innovation Center,” said Brutsman.

Katelyn Moeller placed 10th in job interview skills. “Her talent and determination were evident as she entered the competition with poise,” Brutsman said.

Finally, Kimberly Bjornstad placed 18th in a large field of competitors in architectural drafting. During the competition, Bjornstad also earned a certificate from the American Institute of Building Design, a mark of professional excellence that will only add to her résumé.

“We are absolutely thrilled that our talented students qualified for the SkillsUSA National competition in Atlanta,” said Rachel Chadderdon, dean of the Casper College School of Business and Industry. “This is a testament to their hard work and commitment, as well as to the outstanding quality of our programs and the dedication of our exceptional instructors at Casper College.”

“These accomplishments stand as a powerful reminder of the potential within every student at Casper College. SkillsUSA continues to be a platform where ambition meets opportunity, helping students transform their talents into professional excellence,” added Brutsman.

The success of these students aligns with Casper College’s vision to provide an education for a lifetime that will prepare individuals to thrive and adapt in an ever-changing world.

According to its website, SkillsUSA’s National Leadership and Skills Conference is the largest gathering of America’s future skilled workforce and the ultimate recognition of excellence in career and technical education. The event brings together more than 19,000 attendees, including students, instructors, industry partners, government officials, administrators, and more. The highlight of the SkillsUSA Championships is when more than 6,500 state champions compete for national gold, silver, and bronze medals in 114 skilled and leadership competitions.

At a Glance:

• Event Focus: Celebration of Casper College student achievements and national placements in skilled trades and leadership categories.
• Key Participants: Fionna Kerkes, Gold Medal, Pin Design; Jerred Moore, Fifth Place, Electrical Construction Wiring; Katelyn Moeller, 10th Place, Job Interview Skills; Kimberly Bjornstad, 18th Place, Architectural Drafting.
• When: Held in June 2026 at the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference in Atlanta, Georgia.